Ridgewood's Somerville Elementary Receives Sustainability Grant

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Somerville Elementary Schools has received a $2,000 grant through the Sustainable Jersey Grants Program. The money, according to a news release, will help fund a yearlong learning focus on the environmental impact and importance of trees.

"As part of a schoolwide project, the Green Fair in 2021 will be the culmination of a yearlong focus on the environmental importance of trees and the critically important role trees have in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and industrial air pollution," said Joanna Hanrahan of the Somerville Green Team.

The theme for Somerville's Green Fair, scheduled for April 2021, is trees.

According to a news release from the school district, various science experiments, nature trails, technology, tree planting and games will demonstrate the importance of trees in the community and globally to combat climate change. An arborist will open the fair to talk to students about the benefits of trees and different species.

Somerville’s outdoor garden will also be improved, thanks to the grant, with hoop houses to extend the growing season by an additional four months.

The goal of both projects, according to the news release, is to "strengthen the children's relationship with their environment and encourage more time outside."

Five $10,000 grants and 25 $2,000 grants were awarded to public schools and districts throughout the state through the Sustainable Jersey program, funded by the PSEG Foundation.

"We’re proud to be able to support these important projects and look forward to hearing more from each grantee about how they make a difference in schools across New Jersey," said Sustainable Jersey Executive Director Randall Solomon. "These grants will add momentum to solving our sustainability challenges while helping to ensure our future well-being."